Snapping the Stiletto

Essex Fire Museum has been a partner museum in the Snapping the Stiletto project lead by Essex County Council.

“Snapping the Stiletto” is a two year project by Essex County Council, exploring how Essex women’s lives have changed since 1918. The project received a £95,445 grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund to work with 11 local museums and galleries to explore their collections and discover hidden inspirational stories.

The project aims to replace the outdated stereotype of ‘Essex Girls’ with stories of Strong Essex Women. These stories will be shared through exhibitions and events around the county as well as online. This activity programme and the themes of the research are being steered by a range of community groups from around the county.  So far this has included members of the Shree Ram Mandir  Hindu Cultural and Heritage Centre, the WI, the Guides, the Girls Brigade and actors from Razed Roof, an inclusive Theatre Company.

2018 was the Centenary of the of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which gave the first British women the vote, the 90th anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act 1928 which gave all women the vote and the 50th anniversary of the Dagenham Ford Workers’ Strike. These important national and local anniversaries are serving as a catalyst to explore, record and celebrate the diverse and inspirational stories of Essex women. Click here for the Snapping the Stiletto website.